In a bid to keep Zamboanga City clean, the local government through will once again implement, this time strictly and vigorously, the anti-littering law as provided for under Ordinance No. 211, a codification of all existing sanitary ordinances, rules and regulations.

Assistant City Administrator Raymond Padayhag said the citywide anti-littering campaign will be carried out by “Task Force Limpiesa” in coordination with the Office of the City Environment and Natural Resources (OCENR), but added that his main focus are the litterbugs within the city’s central financial district.

Padayhag, however, clarified that an information campaign will first be conducted from February 1-15 to inform and educate the general public about the anti-littering laws.

“After the information campaign, we will immediately implement the law with fines and sanctions imposed on the violators,” Padayhag said even as he assured that the implementation of anti-littering ordinance will be sustained and perpetual.

“This will not be a ‘ningas cogon’ campaign, especially within my turf, the central financial district,” he assured. “We will assign personnel to check on people who litter in public places downtown. And we will ask business establishments to keep their surroundings clean, at least within 15 meters, or else suffer the penalty.”

Padayhag warned that violation of any provision of the anti-littering ordinance is punishable by a fine of P500 or an imprisonment of not more than one year, or both fine and prison term, at the discretion of the court. He said violators will be issued with citation tickets.

Under the ordinance, all residents of the city of Zamboanga may conduct a citizen’s arrest of anyone caught in flagrante delicto violating any provision of the law.

Where violators cannot afford the prescribed fines, they shall be as to render community service ranging from three days for the first offense, six days for the second offense and 14 days for third or subsequent offenses. — Vic Larato